Introduction
Agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy, providing livelihood to more than 50% of the population. However, small and marginal farmers—constituting 86% of the total farming community—have historically faced challenges like low income, lack of institutional credit, market access issues, and vulnerability to climate risks. To address this, the Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Yojana—a direct income support scheme that ensures financial assistance to farmers.
With the advent of digital technology, this scheme has gained remarkable transparency, efficiency, and reach. Technology platforms like Aadhaar, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), e-Governance tools, and mobile apps have made the PM-KISAN Yojana accessible to farmers in even the remotest parts of India. This article explores the objectives, benefits, challenges, and the transformative role of digital technology in the success of PM-KISAN Yojana.
Overview of PM-KISAN Yojana
Objectives:
- To provide income support to all eligible landholding farmer families.
- To supplement the financial needs of farmers for the purchase of seeds, fertilizers, and other agricultural inputs.
- To ensure crop health and proper yield, ultimately increasing farm income.
Salient Features:
- Launched: February 24, 2019.
- Beneficiaries: All small and marginal farmers having cultivable land.
- Assistance Amount: ₹6,000 per year in three equal installments of ₹2,000.
- Mode of Transfer: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into the farmer’s Aadhaar-linked bank account.
- Funding: 100% funded by the Government of India.
Eligibility Criteria
- All landholding farmers’ families can avail of the benefits.
- Exclusions:
- Institutional landholders.
- Individuals holding constitutional posts.
- Former ministers, MPs, MLAs.
- Income taxpayers in the previous assessment year.
- Professionals like doctors, engineers, and architects registered with professional bodies.
Impact of PM-KISAN Yojana
- Income Security: Provides assured income support to over 11 crore farmers.
- Reduction in Indebtedness: Reduces dependence on informal credit sources and moneylenders.
- Increased Farm Investment: Helps farmers buy quality seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and equipment.
- Improved Livelihood: Strengthens the economic base of rural households.
- Women Empowerment: Joint landholders, including women, also benefit directly, improving their financial independence.
Role of Digital Technology in PM-KISAN Yojana
Digital technology plays a crucial role in the successful implementation and reach of the PM-KISAN scheme. The Government of India has leveraged Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools to ensure transparency, eliminate corruption, and reduce leakages.
1. Aadhaar Integration
- Aadhaar Authentication ensures that the rightful beneficiary receives the funds.
- Prevents duplicate and fraudulent claims.
- Helps in updating farmer records digitally, creating a verified database of beneficiaries.
2. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
- PM-KISAN payments are made via the DBT platform directly into the farmer’s bank account.
- Reduces dependence on middlemen and local agents.
- Ensures immediate transfer of funds without delays, enhancing trust among farmers.
3. PM-KISAN Portal and Mobile App
- The PM-KISAN portal (https://pmkisan.gov.in) allows farmers to:
- Check their application status.
- View payment installments.
- Update Aadhaar or bank account details.
- Self-register if they are new applicants.
- The PM-KISAN mobile app brings these services to smartphones, increasing access for tech-savvy rural youth.
4. Geo-Tagging and Satellite Monitoring
- Land ownership and cropping patterns are being monitored via satellite imagery and geo-tagging of land parcels.
- This ensures that only genuine land-owning cultivators are eligible.
- Reduces manipulation and fraudulent land claims.
5. e-KYC (Electronic Know Your Customer)
- e-KYC process made mandatory for farmer verification.
- Farmers can complete KYC via OTP verification or biometric authentication.
- Ensures updated and correct farmer records, thus reducing the inclusion-exclusion errors.
6. State-Level Integration
- Various state governments have integrated their land records database (Bhulekh) with PM-KISAN.
- Automatic validation of land ownership reduces manual paperwork.
- Examples: Maharashtra’s MahaBhulekh, Karnataka’s Bhoomi, UP’s Bhulekh database.
7. Data Analytics for Policy Making
- Big Data analytics used to assess:
- Farmer distress patterns.
- Payment delays.
- Impact of schemes on crop productivity.
- Helps in framing future farmer-centric policies based on real-time data.
8. Digital Grievance Redressal System
- PM-KISAN portal has an integrated online grievance redressal system.
- Farmers can raise complaints and track resolution status.
- Minimizes bureaucratic hurdles and delays.
9. Digital Awareness Campaigns
- SMS alerts, IVRS (Interactive Voice Response System), and WhatsApp messages inform farmers about scheme updates, eligibility norms, and payment details.
- Increases awareness and reduces misinformation.
Benefits of Digital Technology Integration
| Aspect | Impact on PM-KISAN Yojana |
|---|---|
| Transparency | Minimizes corruption and leakage of funds. |
| Efficiency | Reduces processing time and manual errors. |
| Inclusivity | Ensures that even remote and marginal farmers are covered. |
| Cost-Effectiveness | Lowers administrative costs due to automation. |
| Farmer Empowerment | Direct control over scheme registration and updates. |
Challenges in the Digital Implementation of PM-KISAN
1. Digital Divide
- Poor internet connectivity in remote villages.
- Low smartphone penetration among small farmers.
- Elderly and illiterate farmers struggle to use online platforms.
2. Land Record Discrepancies
- Non-digitized or outdated land records in many states lead to beneficiary exclusion.
- Joint ownership and tenancy complications create verification issues.
3. Aadhaar Linking Issues
- Mismatch in Aadhaar and land records leads to rejection of applications.
- Biometric failures during e-KYC for elderly farmers.
4. Cybersecurity Threats
- Risk of data breaches and fraudulent manipulation of beneficiary databases.
- Need for robust encryption and cybersecurity protocols.
5. Technical Glitches
- Server downtimes, failed DBT transactions, or system errors delay payments.
- Lack of real-time troubleshooting services for farmers.
Government Initiatives to Overcome Challenges
- Common Service Centers (CSCs): Facilitate e-KYC and digital form submission in rural areas.
- Digitization of Land Records: Ongoing under the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP).
- Capacity Building: Digital literacy programs for farmers via Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).
- Multilingual Mobile Apps: PM-KISAN App available in multiple regional languages for easier access.
- 24×7 Helpline: Dedicated call centers for grievance handling.
Impact of PM-KISAN Yojana Powered by Digital Technology
| Parameter | Pre-Digital Era | Post-Digital PM-KISAN Era |
|---|---|---|
| Fund Transfer Time | Several weeks or months | Instant (Real-Time DBT) |
| Transparency | Low (Middlemen Involvement) | High (Aadhaar & e-KYC Verification) |
| Reach | Limited, dependent on paperwork | Nationwide, including remote areas |
| Farmer Empowerment | Low (Third-party dependence) | High (Self-registration via Portal) |
| Record Maintenance | Manual, prone to errors | Digital, updated, and verifiable |
Future Scope: PM-KISAN 2.0 with Advanced Digital Technologies
- AI and Machine Learning Integration: Predict farm incomes, crop failures, or risks and suggest customized subsidy plans.
- Blockchain Technology: Secure and tamper-proof land and payment records.
- IoT-based Soil & Weather Sensors: Link real-time field data with government support schemes.
- Digital Wallets: PM-KISAN payments through secure digital wallets integrated with other government schemes.
- Drone Mapping: Accurate land demarcation and crop monitoring to detect fraudulent claims.
PM-KISAN Yojana and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 1 (No Poverty): Direct income support reduces rural poverty.
- SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Encourages investment in better inputs, increasing food production.
- SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth): Boosts rural economy and farmer entrepreneurship.
- SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality): Financial support reaches marginalized and small farmers.
Conclusion
The PM-KISAN Yojana, strengthened by digital technology, represents a paradigm shift in India’s approach to rural development and farmer welfare. It has not only improved the socio-economic condition of millions of farmers but also introduced transparency and accountability in government service delivery.
While challenges remain, the future of PM-KISAN lies in deeper integration with cutting-edge technologies like AI, IoT, and Blockchain to create a truly farmer-centric digital ecosystem. With proper infrastructure, capacity building, and policy support, PM-KISAN can set a global benchmark for digitalized agriculture welfare programs.
Summary Points:
Future prospects: AI, Blockchain, IoT integration for a smarter and more inclusive PM-KISAN.
PM-KISAN provides ₹6,000 annual income support via DBT to landholding farmers.
Digital technologies like Aadhaar, DBT, e-KYC, and geo-tagging ensure transparency.
Challenges include the digital divide, land record discrepancies, and cyber risks.
Government efforts like CSCs, land record digitization, and capacity building are underway.
